The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 15, 2014
Filed:
May. 31, 2011
Kenneth Edward Salsman, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Kenneth Edward Salsman, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Aptina Imaging Corporation, George Town, KY;
Abstract
A light-based input device may be based on a wedge-shaped light-guide structure. Light may be introduced into the interior of the light-guide structure from a light source and corresponding reflected light exiting the light-guide structure may be measured using a light detector such as an image sensor. The location at which a user places an object in contact with an upper surface of the light-guide structure may be detected by analyzing the pattern of reflected light that exits the light-guide structure. Multiple layers of light-guide structures may be separated from each other by opaque material such as plastic so that the device can determine the direction in which the object is traversing the light-guide layers. A light-based input device may be implemented using free-space light beams that are interrupted by the user. Keys may be provided in a light-based input device by movably mounting contact pads to a light-guide structure.